Magic vs Rockets Pick, Preview & Betting Odds For Wednesday, December 21st

Check out our free Magic vs Rockets pick and preview for this NBA game in Houston. See who we like to win and cover the spread in this NBA matchup.

Magic vs Rockets NBA Pick & Preview

Sport: NBA
Teams: Orlando Magic at Houston Rockets
Where: Houston at Toyota Center
Date: Wednesday, December 21st
Betting Odds HOU +2, ORL -134 | HOU +110 O/U 223.0

So far, the Magic have put together an overall record of 11-21, while going 17-14-1 vs the spread. Over the team’s past 3 games, Orlando has an overall record of 2-1, including going 3-0 against the spread.

The Magic will be looking to bounce back from a 126-125 loss to the Hawks. In terms of betting, Orlando entered as 8 point underdogs, giving them an ATS win. Orlando was not able to turn things around in the 2nd half, as they trailed the Hawks by 1 going into halftime. Leading the team in scoring was Markelle Fultz, as he contributed 24 points while hitting 57.9% of his shots.

So far, the Rockets have put together an overall record of 9-21, while going 13-15-2 vs the spread. The Rockets head into today’s action in the midst of a 3 game losing streak. Their average scoring differential in these defeats is -8.0.

The Rockets are coming off a dissappointing 124-105 loss to the Spurs. Going into the game, they were favored to win by 4 points. Houston went on to lose the game despite leading by 2 heading into halftime. In the loss, Alperen Sengün led the team in scoring with 22 points on a field goal percentage of 80.0%.

Head To Head Recap & Stats

I In last year’s head-to-head meetings, the Magic averaged 117.5 points per game vs Houston, which was an increase over their season-long average. While the Magic saw a boost in scoring, the Rockets averaged 114.5 points per contest in head-to-head meeting vs Orlando. This figure was similar to season-long average. Over the last 5 head to head meetings, the Rockets have averaged 121 points per game compared to 112 for Orlando. This has led to an ATS record of 3-2 for Houston. In these contests, they averaged a combined 233 points per game, leading to an over-under mark of 3-1-1.

Odds & Free Betting Analysis For This NBA Game

This season, the Orlando offense is ranked 28th in the NBA in scoring at 109.4 points per game. Coming into today’s game, the Magic will be looking to improve their 3-point shooting numbers, as they are averaging just 10.7 made 3’s per game. If Orlando continues to struggle with their outside shot, they may look to start playing with more pace, as they are currently 21st in the league in possessions per game.

On defense, the Magic will look for some improved play, as they are currently the 20th ranked unit in points allowed per game.

One situation to keep an eye on leading up the game is the availability of Franz Wagner, as he is currently questionable on the injury report. If he is able to play, the team will have it’s 1-2 punch availble as Wagner leads the team in scoring at 19.6 points per game while Banchero is 2nd at 21.8. For the season, Wagner is 83rd in the NBA in usage rate and 142nd in player efficiency. Behind him, Banchero has taken 18.8% of the team’s field goal attempts, connecting at a rate of 44.8%.

For the season, the Rockets offensive unit is ranked just 27th in scoring at 109.5 points per contest. When looking at the team’s pace of play, the Rockets are currently below the league average in possessions per game, averaging just 99.0 per contest. A key aspect of the team’s offensive struggles is the fact that they not only play at a slow pace, but they struggle to score inside. Heading into today’s game, Houston is just 21st in shots made inside the arc.

Against the Magic, the Rockets will need a stronger defensive effort as they are ranked just 30th in points allowed.

Shooting Guard Jalen Green currently leads the Rockets at 21.3 points per game. For the season, he is 39th in the NBA in usage rate and has taken 19.9% of the team’s field goal attempts. In addition to his scoring, Green is averaging 4.1 boards and 3.7 assists per contest. In today’s game, he is facing off against the NBA’s 14th ranked defense at defending shooting guards. Kevin Porter Jr. enters the game sitting second on the team in scoring. Through 29 games, he is averaging 18.4 and is 193rd in the league in player efficiency rating.